Abdul Alem Khan. PHOTO: ONLINE
ISLAMABAD:
Federal Minister for Communications Aleem Khan on Friday held separate high-level meetings with Transport Ministers of Russia and Iran, focusing on improving transport, logistics and bilateral connectivity between Pakistan, Iran and Russia.
The meetings took place on the sidelines of the 2nd OIC Transport Ministers Conference in Istanbul, during which Russian Deputy Transport Minister Dmitry Stanislavovich Zverev and Iranian Minister of Roads and Infrastructure Farzaneh Sadegh met with Aleem Khan, a press release said.
He said Khan and Sadegh held discussions on the movement of commercial transport across the Pakistan-Iran border. They addressed current challenges and measures to strengthen facilitation, highlighting that daily border crossing capacity could increase from 200 trucks to 800 or 1,000 trailers.
Both ministers agreed on the need for further improvement in border parking facilities, bilateral agreements and issues related to relevant institutions, particularly the FBR, Ministry of Commerce and Customs authorities.
Sadegh noted that conditions on the Pakistan-Iran border have improved, although further progress remains possible. Khan reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening deep brotherly ties, stating that every Pakistani demonstrates sincere goodwill for the security and prosperity of Iran, the press release added.
The meeting also covered the recent visit of the Iranian Minister to Islamabad and the Regional Conference of Transport Ministers in Pakistan, as well as promoting positive engagement through the OIC platform. Sadegh appreciated the Pakistani government’s efforts and reiterated Iran’s commitment to enhanced cooperation.
During the talks with the Russian deputy minister, both sides agreed that expanding direct land and air connectivity between Pakistan and Russia would significantly enhance regional trade and economic activity. They insisted on the need to take practical measures without delay, including the launch of direct Moscow-Islamabad flights.
During the meeting, Zverev officially invited Khan to participate in the International Transport and Logistics Forum, scheduled for April 1-3, 2026 in the historic Russian city of St. Petersburg.
Khan stressed the need for concrete steps to strengthen cooperation in the transport sector, saying Pakistan is keen to collaborate with Russia in developing road networks and logistics corridors.
Both sides also expressed their strong commitment to resolve the visa and related issues faced by Pakistani cargo truck drivers. In addition, in-depth discussions were held on expanding banking channels and removing financial bottlenecks between the two countries.
